Page 77 of Wicked Bonds

“Noted,” Issac murmured, not at all intimidated.

Sethios was sadistic and known for his lethal penchants. Many feared him, but Issac merely respected his power.

He was also thankful the ancient immortal cared about Aya. That only added to her personal security—a measure Issac took very seriously.

It was also the primary reason he felt comfortable leaving her now to go speak with his progeny. Sethios wouldn’t let anyone harm her.

Of course, she could take care of herself, too. But that didn’t stop him from worrying. Particularly as this was the beach she’d died on only a few weeks ago.

An event he never wanted to witness again.

Ever.

Pancakes, darling?he asked as he started down the beach.Since we’re still staying at Balthazar’s house, it seems—

Her scream had him spinning on his heel to see her falling from the sky in a spiral that had his heart skipping several beats in his chest. “Aya!” he shouted, running toward her. Only, she disappeared in the next breath and reappeared on her feet beside him.

With her right wing covered in flames.

“Christ!” Issac started to reach for her, but Caro materialized behind Aya, her hands already rising to soothe the simmering feathers.

“That was a bit much, Gabriel,” Caro said, her tone lacking emotion.

Her son lowered from above, hands at his sides, expression bored. No apology. Just a glimmer in his light green eyes that suggested mild disappointment—a subtle change from his usually stoic features.

Something had changed with Gabriel.

Something that had to do with Clara.

But neither party was talking about it.

And right now, Issac didn’t care enough to ask. His focus was on Aya.

Are you all right, love?He kept the question between them, aware that she wouldn’t want to voice a weakness out loud.

I’m going to kill him, she told Issac for the thousandth time.I’m going to burn his feathers off his back and stab him in the heart with that fucking sword of his.

Issac’s lips twitched again, amused now that she’d proved he didn’t need to be concerned.A vivid fantasy.One he could see clearly in her mind. He cupped her face and brushed his thumb along her cheekbone.

“Pancakes?” he prompted, drawing them back to the food discussion.

It was nearly morning, making an American breakfast appropriate. And, as he’d said, they were staying at Balthazar’s house, which meant they had access to a myriad of fancy gadgets and high-quality ingredients.

Aya stretched out her wing, her mother’s healing energy having already repaired the feathers and smothered the flame. “Yeah,” she replied, her pretty eyes meeting his.But I assume Tristan wants to talk to you alone first, so you go do that while I teach my brother a lesson.

By killing him?Issac guessed.

Yes.

“A break is a good idea,” Caro said, unaware of the conversation happening between Issac and Aya. “We can rest and pick this up in a few hours.”

Gabriel snorted, the sound uncharacteristic for him. “Yes. I’m sure Leek and Kital will be more than happy to allow Stas to rest during a fight,” he deadpanned.

Aya glowered up at him, then misted up into the sky and lobbed another ethereal ball at his head.

Caro sighed and shook her head. “Stubborn. Just like her father.”

“And her mother,” Sethios murmured, grinning. “She’s tenacious, too. And determined.” He glanced up to watch her bolt through the sky toward Gabriel.